Rainforest retreat takes Global Wolrd Travel Award

25th January 2008

A boutique eco-lodge situated amongst the dense tropical rainforest of Far North Queensland was announced as the World’s Leading Eco-Lodge in the World Green Category at the 14th World Travel Awards (WTA).

Hailed by Wall Street Journal as the "Travel industry’s “Oscars", the Lodge was the only Australian nomination to take out a World Award. The Lodge was in the newly introduced “World Green” category with finalists from Egypt, Nicaragua, Peru and Ecuador. Over 167,000 travel industry agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organisations in over 160 countries across the globe voted in the WTA.

Vice President of the WTA, Manon Han said that as a responsible authority for the travel industry, the WTA were keen to encourage creativity and leadership in order to welcome a sustainable future.

“The introduction of the “green” awards has brought the awards to a different level and ultimately we want to help green-conscious travellers make more informed decisions on eco-friendly products and services.

Lodge owners Terry and Cathy Maloney said that it was an honour to draw the top card in such a category.

“There’s a lot of serious competition out there and to have this Australian product of 13 years stand up to the best, it is a real testament to our beliefs and philosophies,” Mrs Maloney said.

“Eco-friendly practices are really paving the way of the future and for a green category to be finally introduced this year, I think that it goes to show that the discerning and experiential traveller is really looking for an intelligent luxury.”

The WTA founder and president, Graham Cooke recognised the Lodge as pioneers of Australian ecotourism, saying, the lodge should be commended for its dedication to nature and a sustainable future.

“With the world’s oldest living rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef at its doorstep, the lodge aims to protect, preserve and promote the natural environment, biodiversity and ecosystem as well as the Aboriginal cultural heritage,” he said.

“This year our voters widely agreed that the Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa deserved to come top in the category World’s Leading Eco-Lodge.”

Having been in the business of experiential travel for over a decade, Mr Maloney said, “The Lodge promotes strong beliefs and philosophies that keep in harmony with nature, in the essence of nurture, and in respect of culture.”

For all media interviews contact:
Terry & Cathy Maloney, Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa ph:
International + 61 7 4098 3511
Within Australia 07 40 98 3511
High res images available upon request.

Any further queries contact
Lisa Minikas
In Touch Media
0409 053 847]or email lisa@intouchmedia.com.au

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